Start by Following the Superstars
The simplest entry point into any global tournament is to follow the living legends. These are the players whose names transcend the sport—the ones your friends who don't even like soccer have heard of. This summer, with both the UEFA European Championship
(Euros) and the Copa América happening simultaneously, you have a buffet of icons to choose from. The strategy is easy: find out when they are playing and tune in. Their games are almost always consequential and entertaining. For Copa América, it's all about Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, as he leads Argentina. For the Euros, you have France’s electrifying Kylian Mbappé, a blur of speed and skill, and the seemingly ageless Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal. In these big events, every moment these players are on the field feels like a piece of history in the making.
Circle the Historic Rivalry Dates
Soccer is fueled by narratives, and nothing creates a better story than a deep-seated rivalry. These aren't just games; they're cultural events freighted with history, bragging rights, and often, a bit of bad blood. When you see two powerhouse nations with a long history on the schedule, mark it down. In the Euro 2024 group stage, keep an eye on Spain vs. Italy (June 20), a clash of titans who have met in the last five European Championships. Another is Netherlands vs. France (June 21), a battle between two of the most talented squads on the continent. In Copa América, the ultimate rivalry is Brazil vs. Argentina, though you'll have to wait for the knockout rounds for a potential meeting. Instead, watch for Brazil vs. Colombia (July 2), a match that always delivers flair and tension.
Ride the Home-Crowd Wave
There's a special kind of energy that comes from watching the host nation play. The stadiums are electric, the stakes feel impossibly high, and the players feed off the partisan crowd. It makes for incredible television. This summer, Germany hosts the Euros and the United States hosts the Copa América, giving you two built-in dramas to follow. The hosts are under immense pressure to perform, and their games become national holidays. Every goal is met with an eruption; every loss feels like a tragedy. For a taste of this, watch Germany's matches in the Euros and pay close attention to the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) in the Copa. The USMNT’s group stage match against Uruguay (July 1) will be a major test and a fantastic spectacle of a home team trying to prove itself against a world-class opponent.
Hunt for the 'Giant Killer'
Everyone loves an underdog story. In every tournament, there's a 'dark horse'—a team that isn't favored to win but has the talent and grit to knock out a traditional powerhouse. Identifying and rooting for one of these teams is one of the most rewarding ways to watch. It gives you a rooting interest beyond the obvious and makes you look like a savvy observer when they pull off a shocking upset. In the Euros, teams like Denmark, Croatia, and Hungary have a reputation for being tough outs that can spoil the party for bigger nations. In Copa América, watch out for Uruguay and Colombia. Both are stacked with top-tier talent and are more than capable of taking down giants like Brazil and Argentina. When one of these teams plays a favorite, you're not just watching a game; you're on 'upset alert.'
The Ultimate Hack: Just Skip to the End
If you truly have zero time and just want the highest possible dose of drama, here’s the ultimate hack: ignore the group stage entirely. While the early round-robin games produce some gems, they also have their share of forgettable matches. The knockout stage, however, is a different beast. Starting with the Quarter-finals, every single game is do-or-die. There are no draws; there is only a winner and a loser. The tension is palpable, the quality of play is exceptional, and the emotional swings are wild. If you only have the bandwidth for a few matches, make them the Semi-finals and the Final. This summer, it's incredibly easy: both the Euro 2024 Final and the Copa América 2024 Final are on the same day, Sunday, July 14. You can clear one day on your calendar and witness two champions being crowned.
